little

1 not much; only slightlyHe is little known as an artist.I slept very little last night.Little did I know that this spelled the end of my career.

2 a little (bit)to a small degreeShe seemed a little afraid of going inside.These shoes are a little (bit) too big for me.(informal)Everything has become just that little bit harder.(formal)She felt tired and more than a little worried.British/​Americana bit / a little In British English it is common to use a bit to mean ‘slightly’ or ‘to a small extent’:These shoes are a bit tight.I’ll be a bit later home tomorrow.Can you turn the volume up a bit? It is more common in North American English to say a little, or (informal) a little bit. You can also use these phrases in British English:These shoes are a little bit too tight.I’ll be a little later home tomorrow.Can you turn the volume up a little bit?